Tuesday, February 7, 2023

We awoke today to 50ºF (10C).  That’s not unusual for winter in Southern Indiana, but it does feel a bit odd to have it be this warm.  Really, I’d prefer 20ºF (with no wind) for these winter days.  That way, the roads stay clean and dry.  Along with this warmth is coming some rain.  A tiny bit came this morning, and more is expected this afternoon and tomorrow.

53 degrees at 1019 am… in February?

We got some, but not all, the wheat acres covered with the first pass of nitrogen late last week, and a bit more yesterday.  It’s beginning to feel ‘urgent’ to get that N applied, for the crop looks like it needs a bit of a boost and something to stimulate the development of more tillers.  The acres that are yet to get this N treatment are just too soft to get the machine across.  So we wait for frozen or dry conditions to complete this work.

Nutrien is applying NextBlu, our source for wheat nitrogen. It’s a liquid that is ‘streamed’ on, not sprayed.

There is some progress to report on the Tony Truck engine rebuild.  Transmission will be hung back on tonight or tomorrow.  We are eager to see that Peterbilt drive out the door!

Pat and I will be going up  to Purdue to see the Boilermakers play Iowa.  I’m sure looking forward to being in Mackey Arena and cheering for our team.  This year has been exceptionally fun, only two losses, and the guys are a pleasure to watch.   Of course, your success is only measured by your success in the NCAA tournament, and will not be considered a good year if they don’t make it to the Final Four.  But the winter has been made much more exciting by our Boilermakers!    As that line in the school song, “Hail, Purdue” goes, “ever grateful, ever true”.  We will remain loyal no matter the outcome.  As I’ve explained to many over the years, my affection for Purdue is not merely about the sports.  I had a wonderful experience there as a student… great people…great professors…who made you feel like you mattered to them.  It’s been nearly 50 years ago for me, but my heart for Purdue remains strong.

My knee is still making progress, albeit more slowly than I anticipated.  I’m at 8 weeks and 6 days post-op.  There is still some pain and stiffness.  I’m still performing my 2x/day exercise rehab.  I guess my experience with my shoulder replacement, now 7 years ago, tricked me into believing this would go similarly.  I now understand that a knee is a tougher joint to replace than a shoulder.   I’m not terribly discouraged, but it still takes me a bit longer to get going in the mornings!   Step by step…

Have a good week.